Desert colors

Before entering the pine forest and reaching Cavaleiro, colored sand and sandstone are signs of times when the climate here was warmer, wetter and more tropical, displayed by impressive reddish tones, resulting from the accumulation of iron oxides.

The only place in the world

This coastline is the only place in the world where Storks nest on the cliffs and rocky islands. During Spring it is possible to quietly observe their mating rituals, the careful building of their nests and the way they care for their offspring. Please do not disturb them while taking pictures.

Cabo Sardão’s lighthouse

Take the time to stop at Cabo Sardão’s lighthouse. It’s worth it. This lighthouse has a unique characteristic in that it was built the wrong way round. The entry door is facing the ocean and the lighthouse is facing inland!

The Peregrine Falcon

This high cliffs are the nesting site for over twenty species of bird. The Peregrine Falcon, one of the most emblematic species you’ll be able to spot, is the fastest recorded animal in the world. When they dive in flight they can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h!

Fishing harbours

Lapa das Pombas and Entrada da Barca are two tiny non-commercial fishing harbours you will find on the way, two tiny bays protected by high cliffs that offer a natural shelter for the fishermen’s boats.

Fishermen's Trail

Almograve » Zambujeira do Mar

22 km

Small fishing harbours, reddish sand dunes, the scent of pine tree forests and the sight, seen nowhere else in the world, of storks nesting on the cliffs make this walk a true balm for your senses.

OPEN MAP

The high cliffs you will see during this part of the journey, despite being exposed to the constant salty ocean winds, are the nesting site for over twenty species of bird! These include Jackdaw, Shag, Common Kestrel, “pure” Rock Dove, White Stork, Peregrine Falcon and Black Redstart.

It is worthwhile taking the time to stop and watch these birds especially during spring, around the Cape Sardão area. The Rock Doves are especially interesting as they are the original species from which all the feral pigeons in the world descend.

If you look carefully along this coastal stretch it is easy to see past climate change written in the rocks. The sandstone was formed when the sea was at least 100m, (330 ft), lower than at present, with the beach over 60 km further west.

Prehistoric settlements have been found here with remains of colder climate animals and shellfish, clear signs of a colder, drier past, but it is equally possible to find signs of times when the climate here was warmer, wetter and more tropical, displayed by impressive reddish tones in the sand and sandstone, resulting from the accumulation of iron oxides.

From Almograve, take a taxi to the fishing harbour of Lapa das Pombas (3.5 km) and from Zambujeira to the fishing harbour of Entrada da Barca (4 km).

Cyclable part

The only part of the Fishermen’s Trail in the Alentejo that can be done with a bicycle it’s is this section, between the Cabo Sardão’s lighthouse and the fishing harbour of Entrada da Barca.

The access to the fishing harbour is through a steep and narrow trail, which means you’ll have to carry the bike on your back. As an alternative make the detour heading to Touril till you come across the road. Turn right, towards Entrada da Barca. From here till Zambujeira, is also cyclable.

Where to start

At the roundabout, towards the beach of Foz dos Ouriços along the track to the ETAR (water treatment plant).

Zambujeira do Mar:

At the chapel of Nossa Senhora do Mar, in the direction of the beach of Nossa Senhora and the fishing harbour of Entrada da Barca.

Fact Sheet

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: SOMEWHAT DIFFICULT

DISTANCE: 22 KM
APPROXIMATE DURATION: 7 HOURS

ACCUMULATED CLIMB: 203 M
ACCUMULATED DESCENT: 193 M

MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 90 M
MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 4 M

RECOMMENDED SEASON:
SEPTEMBER TILL JUNE

Warnings

Between Entrada do Pau and Ponta da Carraca the trail deviates inland entering an area of pine forest in order to avoid a strip of coastline with a high degree of erosion. As a matter of security and environmental preservation, be aware and observe this divergence.